History

By the 2nd century BC the LigurianOxybii established a settlement here known as Aegitna. Historians are unsure what the name means. The area was a fishing village used as a port of call between the Lérins Islands.

Cannes: the name

In the 10th century the town was known as Canua[citation needed]. The name may derive from "canna", a reed. Canua was probably the site of a small Ligurian port, and later a Roman outpost on Le Suquet hill, suggested by Roman tombs discovered here. Le Suquet housed an 11th-century tower which overlooked swamps where the city now stands. Most of the ancient activity, especially protection, was on the Lérins islands and the history of Cannes is the history of the islands.

The birth of the "Suquet"

An attack by the Saracens in 891, who remained until the end of the 10th century, devastated the country around Canua. The insecurity of the Lérins islands forced the monks to settle on the mainland, at the Suquet. Construction of a castle in 1035 fortified the city by then known as Cannes, and at the end of the 11th century construction was started on two towers on the Lérins islands. One took a century to build; the other, three.

Around 1530, Cannes detached from the monks who had controlled the city for hundreds of years and became independent.

The Lérins islands (Les îles de Lérins)

During the 18th century, the Spanish and British both tried to gain control of the Lérins Islands, but were chased away by the French. The islands were later controlled by many, such as Jean-Honoré Alziary, and the Bishop of Fréjus. The islands had many different purposes; at the end of the 19th century, one was a hospital for soldiers in the Crimean War.

The Belle Époque (Beautiful Era)

Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux bought land at the Croix des Gardes and constructed the villa Eleonore-Louise. His work to improve living conditions attracted the English aristocracy, who also built winter residences.

At the end of the 19th century, several railways were completed. This prompted the arrival of streetcars. In Cannes, projects such as the Boulevard Carnot, the rue d'Antibes and the Carlton Hotel on the Promenade de la Croisette were carried out. After the closure of the Casino des Fleurs (hôtel Gallia), a luxury establishment was built for the rich winter clientèle; the Casino Municipal next to the pier Albert-Edouard. This casino was demolished and replaced by the new Palace in 1979.

Modern times

With the 20th century came new luxury hotels such as the Miramar and the Martinez. The city was modernised with a sports centre, street cars, a post office, and schools. There were fewer British and German tourists after the First World War but more Americans. Winter tourism gave way to summer tourism and the summer casino at the Palm Beach was constructed.

The city council had the idea of an international film festival shortly before World War II. The first opened on 20 September 1946, held in the Casino Municipal.

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean and the city enjoys 12 hours of sunshine per day during summer (May to September), while in winter (December to February) the weather is mild. Both seasons see a relatively low rainfall and most rain is during October and November, when 110 mm falls.

Summer

Cannes summers are long and warm, with summer daytime temperatures regularly hitting 30°C, while average temperatures are about 25°C. Temperatures remain high from June to September, the busiest time of the year. Despite the hot daytime temperatures, a Mediterranean breeze keeps summer evenings comfortably cool.

Winters

Temperatures drop below 10°C for only three months of the year (December to February). The spring and autumn are also warm, although more suited to those who prefer slightly cooler weather.

Panorama of the waterfront

Boulevard de la Croisette along the waterfront.

Cityscape

La Croisette is the waterfront avenue with palm trees. La Croisette is known for picturesque beaches and for restaurants, cafés and boutiques. La Suquet, the old town, provides a good view of La Croisette. The fortified tower and Chapel of St Anne house the Musée de la Castre. The Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned on the Île Sainte-Marguerite.

Museums

The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence houses artifacts from prehistoric to present, in an 18th century mansion. The Musée de la Castre has objects from the Pacific Atolls, Peruvian relics and Mayan pottery. Other venues include the Musée de la Marine, Musée de la Mer, Musée de la Photographie and Musée International de la Parfumerie.

The villas of Cannes

Nineteenth-century Cannes can still be seen in its grand villas, built to reflect the wealth and standing of their owners and inspired by anything from medieval castles to Roman villas. Lord Brougham’s Italianate Villa Eléonore Louise (one of the first in Cannes) was built between 1835 and 1839. Also known as the Quartier des Anglais, this is the oldest residential area in Cannes. Another landmark is the Villa Fiésole (known today as the Villa Domergue) designed by Jean-Gabriel Domergue in the style of Fiesole, near Florence. The villas are not open to the public. Villa Domergue may be visited on appointment.

Île Sainte-Marguerite (St Marguerite Island)

It took "The Man in the Iron Mask" 11 years to leave this tiny, forested island. The mysterious individual was believed to be of noble blood, but his identity has never been proven. His cell can be visited in the Fort of St Marguerite, now renamed the Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea). This museum also houses discoveries from shipwrecks off the island, including Roman (first century BC) and Saracen (10th century AD) ceramics.

Île Saint-Honorat (St Honorat Island)

Cistercian monks are the only inhabitants of the smaller, southern St Honorat Island. Monks have inhabited the island since AD410 and, at the height of their powers, owned Cannes, Mougins and Vallauris. Medieval vestiges remain in the stark church, which is open to the public, and in the ruins of the 11th-century monastery on the sea’s edge. The monks divide their time between prayer and producing red and white wines.

Theater and music

Cannes is not renowned for traditional theatre. However, small venues stage productions and host short sketches during the annual International Actors’ Performance Festival. Popular theaters include the Espace Miramar and the Alexandre III.

Economy

The Cannes Mandelieu Space Center

The area around Cannes has developed into a high-tech cluster. The technopolis of Sophia Antipolis lies in the hills beyond Cannes. The Film Festival is a major event for the industry. There is an annual television festival in the last week in September.

Festivals and show events

The Cannes Film Festival (French: le Festival international du film de Cannes or simply le Festival de Cannes), founded in 1939, is held annually, usually in May.

Mipcom and MIPTV, held in October and April respectively, the world's most important trade markets for the television industry.

The Pan-African Film Festival, held in early April and featuring films from the African diaspora

Industrial activities

The economic environment is based on tourism (business fairs), trade and aviation. Cannes has 6500 companies, of which 3000 are traders, artisans and service providers. In 2006, 421 new companies were registered.

By rail

By bus

Coach services arrive at the Gare Routière de Cannes, in the centre of the city, near the Town Hall. Companies from abroad include Eurolines and Agence Phoceens. Regional services are by Rapides Côte d’Azur and CTM, with services from Nice and Grasse/Mandelieu respectively. Local bus services are provided by Bus Azur.

By ferry (in Nice harbour)

Ferries are available in Nice harbour from Bastia and Calvi in Corsica, with services provided by SNCM Ferryterranée and Corsica Ferries. From Bastia, the journey is 4 hours, 45 minutes on conventional ferries and 3 hours, 40 minutes on express ferries, while from Calvi, conventional vessels take 3 hours, 45 minutes and express vessels take 2 hours, 45 minutes. An average of four ferries a day sail on these routes, with more during summer.

From Wikitravel

Contents

Once a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and
expensive seaside town considered to be one of the social hubs of
Europe. Its moment to shine arrives in May as the venue for the
Cannes Film Festival, entertaining the rich and famous. During the
festival, fans can see actors, celebrities, and directors up close
and in person on the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals at
the end of La Croisette. Although its nightlife, casinos and high
end restaurants give Cannes a feel of exclusivity, Cannes does have
alternatives to suit all types of budgets. Tourists can check out
the beauty and architecture of Le Suquet, with its cobbled streets
and breathtaking views, or sit at street side tables and enjoy the
favoured hobby of people watching up and down the lovely
marina.

Get in

From the Airport

Most visitors bound for Cannes will arrive first at Nice
International Airport. From here there are a number of travel
options, the most cost effective being the half-hourly Express
Coach to Cannes Centre via the A8 motorway, at a cost of around
€15. Not the cheapest way in, but a lot less than Nice's
notoriously expensive taxis at around €80. The cheapest way in is
the TAM 200 bus that runs from Nice to Cannes via Nice Airport
Terminal One ( a free shuttle operates to link Terminals One and
Two). The journey is frustratingly long - it takes about 2 hours
and stops every few hundred yards and has no special luggage
facility. However the cost at only €1 is so low it attracts many
travellers even though it may involve standing the whole
journey.

Cannes

As with Antibes, Monaco and other towns on the French Riviera,
access by road at popular times can be slow and frustrating. The
coast roads are generally packed, and there are few ways to descend
from inland. Locals do have some tricks, like the one described
below, but they are complex and do not always work. Using the train
to get in is probably better. You can park in Mougins or Mouans
Sartoux and take the train to Cannes.

The obvious way to Cannes from the A8 Cannes/Grasse exit is
often extremely slow; you end up descending the Boulevard Carnot,
which has an endless stream of traffic lights. The simplest way to
avoid this congestion is to bear right immediately after you have
left the A8 at the first traffic light. Then, once you are off the
main road, get into the right hand lane and stay there as the road
turns into a normal two-way road.

After a sharp bend there is a traffic light. Continue straight
on at the light. At the next major intersection (about 1km
further), turn left following signs to Cannes.

You are now on the N85; you should stay on it, and not follow
misleading signs to other bits of Cannes until you are at the
bottom (a T junction with a French Telecom building on your left).
Probably the easiest thing to do at this point is to turn left at
this T junction and almost immediately left again. Then go into the
first parking garage you can (Parking Fontville).

Another way down to the coast (this works for both Cannes and
Juan les Pins/Antibes) is to go to Vallauris and descend to the
coast on the D135 and then turn right (for Cannes) or left (for
Antibes) when you get to the N7.

Getting Around

By foot Walking can quite often be the fastest
mode of transport in Cannes. It also gives you the chance to
stumble upon hidden sights that you may miss whilst being anchored
to a bus or car.

Bus Getting around Cannes is not a problem at
all. The city is well equipped with an efficient bus system (the
only public transportation available in town) that provides service
not only in the city but also to neighboring La Bocca, Le Cannet
and Mandelieu-La Napoule. The bus companies include STU de Cannes
Bus Azur, Bus Azur, CTM Cannes La Bocca and Beltrame. They all have
scheduled services with a frequency of a bus every 15 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased on the bus or at the bus stations and cost
€1.25 per ride or you can purchase a Carte 10 which gives you 10
reduced-rate tickets.

Taxis can be hailed on the street or you can
order them by phone calling Taxis de Cannes at +33 (04)929 9272.
Fares are pre-established with an opening charge of €2.35 and
subsequent charges of about €3.00 per mile.

Parking in Cannes Cannes has all the usual hire
car rental establishments (Hertz, Avis, Budget) where you can rent
a car if you wish. Parking is generally not an issue. Although you
will have to pay, it is recommended that you use one of the off
street parking garages as this is far better than searching
fruitlessly for a parking lot on the street. Moreover Cannes has a
truly horrible one-way system and it is much easier to walk. The
Fontville parking gives good access to the port and old town.

If you are more interested in the Croisette and/or dislike
walking, then there are other parking garages that are available,
like the one by the station - one of the best is the one underneath
the Palais des Festivales, and the one under the Grey d'Albion
hotel in Rue des Serbes.

La Croisette

Old town— The usual narrow winding streets
filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The view from the
castle ruins at the top is excellent.

Covered Market— For a spectacular eating and
viewing food experience, no other market in Cannes beats this for
scale and variety. The market itself is at the west end of rue
Meynardiers, one of the Cote's best gourmand streets.

Palais des Festivals— Down La Croisette is the
famous Palais des Festivals, where stars of the screen gather and
watch films screened during the festival. Irresistible not to pose
for a photograph on the 22 steps leading up to the entrance.

Port— Admire the yachts of the rich and
possibly famous - though true mega-yachts will be found at the
International Yacht Club down the coast in Antibes.

La Croisette— Cannes catwalk beside the sea,
it is the center of the city's tourist activity and known for its
luxury hotels and boutique shops.

Beaches— The beaches are mostly private and
cost up to €30 for a day's use (including sunbed and shade). The
public beaches are crowded, and are found at the far east and west
of town. If you want a quieter beach, a better option is to go to
the Îles de Lérins, see below. At night the
beaches can be tranquil, but watch out for spectacular fireworks
displays (see posters/ask at tourist info) in the bay, get to the
beach early to get a good spot!

Îles de Lérins— Two islands in the bay that
are definitely worth visiting. The smaller is Ste Honorat, which
has a monastery and ruined castle. The monks sell monastery-made
food/drink products like wine which make unique souvenirs. The
larger island is Ste Marguerite which also has a castle, shops,
bars, and restaurants. Find a quiet cove, some shade from palm
trees, and a cheap snorkel before you swim around the rocky coves.
A return ticket to either island is €11 with ferries departing
every hour roughly from 7 in the morning until about 5:30 at night
- ask for a timetable. The timetable and information is also
available in a brochure kept in most hotel lobbies.

Trans Cotes d'Azur, Quai Laubeuf (Port de Cannes), [1]. Offers day cruises and excursions to Monaco, St
Tropez, Iles de Porquerolles and other destinations. Main season
only, mid-June to mid-September. Rates are subject to VAT, port
charges, fuel, environmental protection.up to €50. edit

Notre-Dame d'Esperance. Provençal Gothic church with wood paneling
dating back to the 14th and 15th century. Also worth a look is the
collection of 19th century paintings, which includes a fresco by
George Roux that portrays the baptism of Christ. The church is
situated on top of Suquet hill in old Cannes, the church offers
visitors a fabulous view of the town and its bay.edit

Tour du Masque, 9, rue du Mont Chevalier, Cannes
06401. A popular attraction
for history and literary buffs, the Tour du Masque is said to be
haunted by the ghost of the mythical,mysterious figure known as the
"Man in the Iron Mask."edit

Molinard, 60, boulevard Victor-Hugo, Grasse
06130, ☎+33 (04)
9336-0162. Follow your nose
down this flower-strewn villa to learn how perfume is made and
manufactured. It's a old factory and visual feast, as well as
smelling some of the world's finest perfumes. Famous perfume
bottles are also on display.edit

Musée
d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence, 2 rue Mirabeau, (info@museesdegrasse.com).
The museum retraces everyday life in
Provence from prehistoric times to the present day. The Provençal
way of life is illustrated through furniture, pottery, paintings,
traditional costumes and santons (Christmas crib figures). There's
also an authentic formal garden for you to enjoy.edit

French Riviera, CMC Cannes Riviera Gastronomie Maritime,
Gare Maritime, jet Albert-Edouard, Cannes 06400,
☎+33 (04) 9368-9898. Enjoy the view of Cannes from this luxury ship.
You can choose to do either a lunch tour or an evening dinner tour.
For a one flat fee you receive lunch or dinner and a tour whilst
enjoying live music. The tours run daily from 12:30PM-3PM,
8:30PM-11:30p.edit

Learn

Residential camps for teens in Cannes (vacation courses) are
proposed by ESL-Ecole Suisse de Langues during the Summer.
International students from 14 to 17 years follow sessions of 1 to
5 weeks.
[2]

Jean-Paul Gaultier store

Renowned for its luxury boutiques and designer fashion,
forgetting your credit card would be a big mistake when visiting
Cannes.

The shops in Cannes are concentrated between La Croisette and
rue d'Antibes - a distance easily covered on foot. Here you'll find
all the luxury boutiques you could possibly desire as well as other
shops selling products at a more affordable price range. The old
town has any number of shops selling souvenirs as well.

Stroll, or stop by, the wide array of international designer
shops that line La Croisette, which include Chanel, Dior, and
Gucci. Check out the l`enfant terrible of French fashion, Jean Paul
Gaultier in the Gray d'Albion arcade at number 17.

For those with a sweet tooth, get your fix on Rue d'Antibes,
which has the best chocolatiers and delicatessens, including Chez
Bruno, 51 rue d'Antibes (crystallised fruit and marrons glacés),
and Maiffret, 31 rue d'Antibes (chocolates made on the
premises).

If you are getting desperate to read something in English then
the Cannes English Bookshop (11 rue Bivouac Napoléon, just by the
Palais des Festivals tel: +33(04) 9399-4008) can help.

A great street to grab yourself a bargain is on the Rue
Meynadier, with a vibrant market atmosphere. Taste some sharp
cheese at Ceneri, on 22 rue Meynadier, while quality wines are
found at La Cave Forville, at 3 Forville Market.

A souvenir from the monastery on Ste Honorat is a good way to
distinguish yourself from the other tourists toting bags of the
same souvenirs.

Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 10AM-12PM and
2:30PM-7:30PM. In high season, many shops do not close for lunch.
Sales tax varies between 5.5% (food) to 19.6% (luxury goods).

Table setting at La_Palme_d'Or.jpg

Although it tends to get pretty pricey to eat out in Cannes, it
is possible to get a delicious meal incorporating the
mouth-watering, fresh regional produce sourced from the
markets.

The most popular restaurants to eat at are all along the
riverfront, although they are they are not particularly value for
money. While the food is ok, it's overpriced, however the people
watching and posing-potential is an important compensation.

The best areas for dining are the rue Meynadier, in the
beautiful old district of Le Suquet, where you can dine outdoors
with a stunning view of the town below, and in the backstreets of
the Rue de Antibes, you can find some reasonable dining
options.

Vegetarians have a bit of a rough time in France generally, in
that most menus classify things as fish, meat and nothing else, and
the French pride themselves in eating some fairly esoteric parts of
animals not found in supermarkets back home - "testicules de
mouton" for example. Traditional French cuisine is expensive at
best, you could consider eating in some of the more Italian
places.

The most romantic setting for dining in Cannes is away from the
conference/ expense account circuit of central Cannes, in the
historic quarter of Le Cannet, a northern suburb of Cannes some two
kilometers away. Accessible by taxi or local buses, Vieux Le Cannet
looks down over Cannes, and at its best vantage point is the large
tree lined open square of Place Bellvue, tables alfresco, bounded
by four or five quality restaurants patronized mainly by French "in
the know". The Place Bellvue is on the main street rue St Sauver,
home to artists ateliers and picture-postcard old French scenes.
Well worth the extra effort.

Robertos, Boulevard de la Republique, just the other
side of the Voie Rapide and Railway Line. Selling the tastiest thin based pizzas,
handmade by Roberto. Other delicious dishes include lavish servings
of pasta and provincial Italian cuisine. Roberto will start with a
glass of sugar rimmed Campari and always finishes the meal with a
glass of Amaretto. The prices are very reasonable, nay cheap for a
superb meal.edit

24 Suquet Restaurant, 24 rue du Suquet, ☎+33 (04) 9338 7522, [3]. Located in the old town of Cannes, this chic
and cosy restaurant serves fine Provincial cuisine in an atmosphere
that is as welcoming as it is becoming.edit

Le
Caveau 30, 45
rue Félix Faure, ☎(04) 9339
0633, [4]. Fresh seafood and produce worth coming back
for, at this upscale restaurant that tends to get quite crowded in
the summer months. Impressive wine list to go with the varied menu
options and the staff are always attentive and professional.edit

Palm
Square, 1
allées de la Liberté, ☎04)
9306 7827. Chic and ultra
trendy, the Palm Square is the place to eat tasty food surrounded
by a group of friends, in a gorgeous setting. Cuisine is mostly
modern French, although the chef does mix it up with splashes of
Indian or Thai flavorings.edit

La
Palme d'Or, Hôtel Martinez, 73 boulevard de la
Croisette. With it's ideal
location overlooking the bay of Cannes, La Palme d'Or represents
the best in Cannes. Food is of an extremely high standard, the
stylish and contemporary decor impresses and the service is
impeccable. Two Michelin stars have been awarded to this
restaurant, ranking it as one of the finest eating establishments
in the world. Truly spectacular.edit

Le Restaurant Arménien, 82 boulevard de la
Croisette, ☎(04) 9394
0058. For genuine Armenian
food served in a charming and atmospheric setting. Popular
restaurant that also offers Mediterranean inspired
alternatives.edit

Authentic, 92, Ave Francis Tonner, Cannes La
Bocca (traveling west
from Cannes, pass the market in La Bocca & it's on your right,
one block further.), ☎04 9348
3406. No view (location
isn't great), but this resto itself is simple but lovely. Even
better, the food. For a really wonderful meal at 30% or less of
prices in Cannes itself, check out this great little secret. Menus
start under 20 Euros for dinner, and always begin with a little
tasting. Very popular at noon, make a reservation during August for
lunch or dinner. The chef is from Alsace, but uses local fare
superbly, too.Super!. edit

Hotel Martinez

Hôtel
Alnea, 20 rue
Jean de Riouffe, ☎+33 (04) 9368
7777, [5]. Comfortable hotel that has basic features and
is an affordable option, with satellite TV, telephone with internet
connection and WiFi. Great location near the Palais des Festivals
and the Croisette beaches.edit

Claremont Hotel, 13 Rue Du Août. This quaint and charming hotel offers
comfortable rooms for single or sharing occupancy. It provides
breakfast, laundry and wakeup-call services, and transfers to and
from the airport, and other towns along the Riviera.edit

3.14
hotel, 5 rue
François Einessy, ☎+33(04) 9299 7200, [8]. Unique hotel with rooms designed from five
continents, with each floor representing a continent, such as
vibrant Asia or cultural Europe. All rooms have flat-screen TV, DVD
player, broadband internet connection and WiFi access and the hotel
even has its own private beach on La Croisette.edit

Le
Mistral, 13
rue des Belges, [9]. Modern boutique hotel with art works on display
in each of the rooms. The rooms are soundproofed and air
conditioned and feature free WiFi access, cable TV and direct
phones.edit

*The
InterContinental Carlton, 58 boulevard de la Croisette,
☎+33 (04) 9306 4006. With its own private beach, the
InterContinental offers guests comfort and convenience with two
restaurants, two bars and a health club on site.editedit

Hotel Martinez, 73 boulevard de la Croisette,
☎+33 (04) 9298 7300. The only place to stay if you're an A-list
celebrity, visiting President, or royalty, the Hotel Martinez is
one of the Riviera's grand dames, with its own private beach and
pool, a spa and fitness center, grand apartments, suites and
well-appointed rooms. It also plays host to the Michelin awarded
restaurant, La Palme d'Or.edit

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Cannes Beach,
[10]. In the spirit of Cannes, the 7-
to 8-floor residence is shaped like a “P” and spread out around a
large patio with exotic vegetation. The apartments are equipped
with terraces or balconies. The residence is in the Cannes-La-Bocca
shopping quarter. It has a fitness room and a restaurant. If you
get tired of your private beach (unlikely) then the public sand
beach is a 50-m walk away.
edit

Shared-house.com,
[11]. Listing of private apartments
rented out directly by the owners.edit

Get out

Returning to the airport you are advised not to rely on the TAM
200 bus. The traffic between Antibes and Cagnes sur Mer is imfamous
for snarl-ups, jams, and nose-to-tail queues which regularly put
travellers at risk of missing flights. When running seriously late,
the 200 drivers are sometimes inclined to miss out that part of
their schedule which involves dropping of travellers at the airport
terminus itself, instead dropping them off at the roadside passing
the airport.

The more costly express coach bypasses the local roads for the
toll-paying motorway, which is generally a good and reliable
service, but nothing is 100% reliable. It is best to leave a good
healthy margin of time for safety. Note driving to drop off
car-rentals is prone to the same traffic problems as the bus.

Though trains have their own issues, like ocassional strikes and
late running, it is possible to avoid roads altogether in favour of
the SNCF train service, choosing a "arret toutes les gares" train
(not a TGV or semi-direct to Nice)and get off at the little
station, Nice St Augustin, the stop before Nice Gare Ville. This is
situated about a half kilometre from the airport and you can access
the airport on foot from there, or pick up the T1/ T2 free Navette
to take straight into the terminals from a bus stop nearby.

Day Trips

If you fancy a change of scenery from Cannes or just want to
make the most of its location then you can make a day trip to other
beautiful and famous cities. A few to note are:

Nice, France [18.8 miles]

St. Tropez, France [29 miles]

Aix-en-Provence, France [97.3 miles]

Monte Carlo, Monaco [28.1 miles]

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From LoveToKnow 1911

CANNES, a seaport of France, in the department of the Alpes
Maritimes, on the Mediterranean, 1 9 m. S. W. of Nice and 120 m. E. of Marseilles by rail. Pop.
(1906) 2 4, 53 1. It enjoys a southern exposure on a seaward slope,
and is defended from the northern winds by ranges of hills.
Previous to 1831, when it first attracted the attention of Lord Brougham, it mainly consisted
of the old quarter (named Sucquet), and had little to show except
an ancient castle, and a
church on the top of Mont Chevalier, dedicated in 1603 to Notre Dame du Mont Esperance; but since that period it has
become a large and important town, and is now one of the most
fashionable winter resorts in the south of France, much frequented
by English visitors, the Americans preferring Nice. The
neighbourhood is thickly studded with magnificent villas, which are
solidly built of a stone so soft that it is sawn and not hewn.
There is an excellent quay, and a
beautiful promenade runs
along the beach; and numerous
sheltered roads stretch up the valleys amidst groves of olive trees. On the north the
modern town climbs up to Le Cannet (2 m.), while on the east it
practically extends along the coast to Golfe Jouan (32 m.), where
Napoleon landed on the 1st
of March 1815, on his return from Elba. From Cannes a railway runs north in 122 m. to Grasse. On the top of the hill
behind the town are a Roman Catholic and a Protestantcemetery. In the most
prominent part of the latter is the grave of Lord Brougham,
distinguished by a massive stone cross standing on a double basement, with the simple
inscription - "Henricus Brougham, Natus MDCCLXXVIII., Decessit
MDCCCLXVIII."; and in the immediate vicinity lies James, fourth duke of Montrose, who died December 1874. The country
around is very beautiful and highly fertile; orange and lemon trees are cultivated like peach trees in England, while olives, almonds, figs, peaches,
grapes and other fruits are grown in abundance, and, along with the
produce of the fisheries, form the chief exports of the
town. Essences of various kinds are manufactured, and flowers are
extensively cultivated for the perfumers. The climate of Cannes has
been the subject of a considerable variety of opinion, - the
preponderance being, however, in its favour. According to Dr de
Valcourt, it is remarkable by reason of the elevation and
regularity of the temperature during the height of the day, the
clearness of the atmosphere and abundance of light, the
rarity of rain and the absence of
fogs.

Cannes is a place of great antiquity, but its earlier history is
very obscure. It was twice destroyed by the Saracens in the 8th and the 10th centuries;
but it was afterwards repeopled by a colony from Genoa. Opposite the town is the island of Ste Marguerite (one of the
Lerins), in the citadel of which the Man with the Iron Mask was confined from
1686 to 1698, and which acquired notoriety as the prison whence Marshal Bazaine escaped in August
1874. On the other chief island (St Honorat) of the Lerins is the
famous monastery (5th century to 1788), in connexion with which
grew up the school of Lerins, which had a wide influence upon piety
and literature in the 5th and 6th centuries.

It is most famous for the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place every summer. Many famous people come to the film festival from around the world to promote their films and to see other peoples' movies too.